Thracian cultic complex "Heroon" (Frog Mound Tomb)

The Zhaba Mogila (Frog Mound Tomb) is located in the area of the Draganov Well a few kilometers from the city of Strelcha. It is the largest of the roughly 300 such mounds in the region and one of the largest in all Bulgaria. It has a diameter of 80-90 meters and is 20 meters high. The burial mound was surrounded by a water-filled moat 30 meters wide and 3-4 meters deep that had to be crossed to enter the sanctuary. The moat still exists, and is now filled with croaking frogs, which is how the tomb got its name.

The archeological studies in the vicinity of Strelcha that began in 1976 have disclosed that The Frog Tomb is a unique Thracian cultic complex known as a Heroon (sacrificial temple) that was divided into two parts – the mausoleum or crypt and the temple.

At present most of the artifacts discovered at the Frog Mound Tomb are preserved in the Strelcha Museum of History.

 

Availability for visits: Paid, all year round, available guide from Strelcha Museum of History

Transport accessibility: The Thracian tomb is located outside the city on the Pazardzhik highway, to the left of the Plovdiv-Panagyurishte railway line, in the Draganov Well area. Take the cart track that begins at the railway crossing.  There is no public transport.

Tourist infrastructure: hotels; there are signs giving directions at the site; Tourist Information Centre - Strelcha